Travel Markets Insider Newsletter Vol. 21 No. 20

The Travel Markets Insider newsletter is attached to this post as a PDF file. To open the PDF file, please click on this link.

 

We start off this week’s issue with the very sad news that Fairn & Swanson — one of the pioneering companies in the U.S. duty free industry, whose Baja Duty Free retail division was celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2020 —  — closed its doors for good last week after 70 years in business, citing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. More details on page 1.
DUFRY GROUP 
Dufry Group has unveiled some structural changes in its organization which it says aim to accelerate growth and support profitability during the recovery phase of the current economic/ health crisis. The changes include an integration of headquarters and the divisions along with a “simplification” of its first management level. Story begins on page 1.
In more news from the travel retail giant, Dufry has begun to re-open some of its Caribbean stores which were closed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, beginning with San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Cancun, Mexico. See page 2.
Dufry’s Hudson division is introducing innovative vending machines filled with Personal Protection Equipment, and a custom-designed line of health and safety offerings specifically for travelers. Story on page 2.
SPOTLIGHT ON GIVING BACK
Miami-based distribution company Essence Corp, known for its philanthropic endeavors, continues to give back substantially to the local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, recently donating and delivering hundreds of meals to families and people in need. Page 3.
SUPPLY SIDE: SPIRITS
Brown-Forman reorganizes its international business and names Marshall Farrer, currently the head of GTR, as president of a newly formed Europe group. See more changes on page 3.
Travel retail specialist Veronica Huber, most recently with Chase International, has opened a sales and marketing consultancy called Huber Brands, LLC. Details on page 3.
Edrington names Helen Wong as managing director of Asia Travel Retail, as Marcelo Colombo takes a new role with Edrington’s U.S. team. Page 6
Haleybrooke International adds New Zealand vodka Broken Shed to portfolio. Page 6.
Welsh Whisky company Penderyn appoints Simon Roffe as Director of Business Development. Page 6.
SUPPLY SIDE / BEAUTY
L’Oréal develops #Safetogether, e-learning module for employees returning to the workplace. Page 4
Burberry Beauty names Isamaya Ffrench as new global Beauty Director. Page 4.
Puig to acquire majority stake in British luxury brand Charlotte Tilbury. Page 4.
Shiseido Travel Retail
Shiseido Travel Retail has launched three new fragrance extensions from Dolce&Gabbana, Issey Miyake and Narciso Rodriguez which the company says are designed to build a deeper emotional connection with consumers. See what is fresh and new on page 5.